Lena I. Crowl, d. Aug. 22, 2013

Friday

Aug 23, 2013 at 1:35 PM

Lena Irene Crowl, age 94, of St. John, passed away peacefully Thursday, Aug. 22, 2013 at Kenwood Plaza. She was born Lena Irene Keesling in Reno County, Kansas, on Dec. 25, 1918. Internment will be in the St. John Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to Minnis Chapel, Inc. 526 East 4th, Box 34, St. John, KS 67576. There will not be a memorial service.

Lena Irene Keesling was the third child of seven children born to Luther O. Keesling and Elma J. (Clothier) Keesling. She grew up on her parent's farm in Reno County. She graduated as valedictorian from Sylvia High School with the class of 1937. Lena was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ. During her childhood, she was a member of the Peace Creek Church of Christ. After moving to St. John, she became a member of the St. John Church of Christ.

On June 5, 1939, she married Norman Lewis Lavielle. After World War II, they eventually made their home in St. John. Two boys were born to this union: Ronald Norman Lavielle and Lewis Dean Lavielle. Norman passed away from a military related disability on October 12, 1959.

After Norman's death, Lena worked for the First National Bank in St. John, until her retirement at age 62. On Oct. 6, 1973, Lena married Harold Crowl and they continued to live in St. John for 37 years until Harold preceded her in death on Nov. 18, 2010.

Lena is survived by her brother, Leo Keesling; two sons, Ronald Lavielle and Dean Lavielle; two daughters-in-law, Carol Lavielle and Gila Lavielle; two grandchildren, Lenita and J.R.; three great grandchildren, Jesse, Shelby and Teejay; and two stepdaughters Linda Moore and Sue DeWeese.